The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the 2024-25 Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) season, as Queensland Fire and New South Wales Breakers (NSW) gear up for a blockbuster final at Allan Border Field on March 2.
While two of Australia’s cricketing heavyweights prepare to battle for the coveted title, heartbreak hangs over South Australia Scorpions, who’s narrow six-run defeat to Western Australia crushed their hopes of reaching a third final in four years.
Queensland Fire: A Shot at Redemption
For Queensland Fire, this final represents more than just a trophy—it’s a shot at redemption after last season’s crushing defeat to Tasmania in the decider. Throughout the season, Queensland has showcased their dominance with a blend of aggressive batting and disciplined bowling.
Their record speaks for itself: 8 wins from 12 matches, though they suffered four losses—two of which came against their final opponents, New South Wales Breakers, with the remaining defeats handed to them by Tasmania and Victoria.
Star batter Charli Knott has been a revelation, amassing 542 runs across the season with a high score of 110, while skipper Jess Jonassen led from the front with the ball, collecting 20 wickets in 10 matches, including the best of 4/31.
With last season’s heartbreak still fresh in their minds, the Fire will be determined to rise from the ashes and claim their long-awaited crown.
New South Wales Breakers: The Return of a Dynasty
The New South Wales Breakers have roared back to life, securing their place in the WNCL final for the first time since the 2019-20 season. The most decorated team in WNCL history, NSW Breakers had been a fixture in every final from the competition’s inception in 1996-97 until their unexpected five-year absence. Now, they are on a mission to reclaim their throne.
Like Queensland, NSW finished with 8 wins and 4 losses, with defeats coming twice against Victoria, and once each against Western Australia and South Australia.
Their charge to the final was powered by the tournament’s leading run-scorer, Tahlia Wilson, who piled up a staggering 667 runs with a top score of 142. All-rounder Sammy-Jo Johnson led the bowling effort with 21 wickets from 11 matches, including the best figures of 4/40.
A dramatic DLS victory over ACT in their final league match secured them a crucial three-point lead over South Australia Scorpions, propelling them into the final. Hungry for their first WNCL title since 2018-19, NSW Breakers will be eager to re-establish themselves as the undisputed queens of Australian domestic cricket.
South Australia: Agony in Narrow Defeat
For South Australia, the season ended in heartbreak and what-ifs. Once sitting atop the league standings, they lost momentum at the business end of the competition, dropping four of their last six matches.
Their final league encounter against Western Australia was a must-win contest, but they fell just six runs short in a gripping finish. Captain Jemma Barsby fought valiantly with an unbeaten 54, forging a crucial 52-run partnership with Megan Schutt for the eighth wicket. However, needing 12 runs off the final over with one wicket in hand, they succumbed to the pressure as Western Australia’s Rebecca McGrath held her nerve.
Earlier in the match, Western Australia’s batting charge was led by Maddy Darke (86) and Bhavi Devchand (81), who stitched together a commanding 163-run second-wicket partnership. Despite a spirited comeback from Amanda-Jade Wellington (3/41), South Australia’s efforts weren’t enough to overcome the target.
Finishing third, South Australia will reflect on a season that promised so much yet ended in heartbreak. However, their resilience suggests they’ll return stronger next season.
The Final Showdown: Redemption vs. Revival
With the dust settled, all eyes are now on the final clash between Queensland Fire and New South Wales Breakers. For Queensland Fire, this is a golden opportunity to bury the ghosts of last season and assert themselves as modern powerhouses in Australian women’s cricket. For NSW Breakers, it’s about restoring their legacy as the WNCL’s most dominant force.
Loves all things female cricket
